This is how UM’s Faculty of ICT is making tech engaging for all the family

Most are aware of the conundrum that, while technology has the potential to make learning more interactive and engaging, its accelerated pace can strike a bit of fear if we aren’t well-guided on how to set boundaries.

A group of students, lecturers, and administrative members at the University of Malta’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology have found a way to make tech engaging for all the family while inspiring them to develop healthy tech habits: cue the FICT Expo 2024.

There will be an exciting line-up of activities at FICT EXPO 2024, taking place on 5 and 6 July 2024 at the Faculty’s premises within Msida Campus, and it will include something for everyone!

From hearing about the best projects and research conducted at the university on various topics, to the delivery of breakout sessions to better understand different paths in ICT Careers, to fun quizzes, robotics challenges and an entire day of STEAM hands-on activities for parents and children, this year’s new format promises to be a blast for all members of the family.

How does one synchronise Technical and Non-Technical efforts in a Cyber Crisis? How can Generative AI be adopted to increase our productivity? How do information systems potentially elevate a country’s economy? How can patients undergoing medical treatment be assisted through digital technology? These are but some of the topics that you’ll have the opportunity to explore.

Discover the fundamentals of Human-Computer Interaction, take a tour of the state-of-the-art labs at the Faculty, ask ICT postgrads on what inspired them to take on their research projects, meet Pepper, the semi-humanoid robot, and engage with the Roboteers at the Robot Championship.

Themed “FICT@UM Home of Tech”, the Expo will also enjoy the presence and invaluable support of several locally-based entities which have all, in some way, played and are still playing a huge part in making people’s perceptions of tech more accommodating. Among these are the Malta Information Technology Agency, KPMG Microsoft Business Solutions, EY, the Ministry for Health & Active Ageing, the Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills Directorate, and APS Bank Ltd.

The full programme of mini-events, some of which you need to register for to avoid disappointment, is available online.